Frequently asked questions

All your questions answered in one place

Why do you need the purchase values of my items, and how do I confirm them?

We require the purchase values of your items for several important reasons:

  1. Customs Declarations: Accurate item values are necessary for customs clearance when shipping internationally. This ensures that the correct duties and taxes are applied based on the value of your items.
  2. Insurance: The declared value also determines the level of insurance coverage for your shipment in case of loss or damage.
  3. Regulatory Compliance: Certain countries have import regulations that are tied to the value of goods being shipped, so declaring the correct value helps prevent delays or complications.

Do all countries require Import Duties?

Most countries require import duties at the time when you receive your parcel depending on the laws of the receiving country. But some countries have a duty free concession where goods below a certain value can be imported without duty and/or tax. The import duties are on the higher side for the following countries: Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

Will my shipment be insured?

All your shipments will have limited liability cover provided by the chosen shipper. Insurance does NOT cover import duties and taxes, domestic shipping costs or damage to the box/packaging.

How does repacking save me money?

Many stores pack your items in boxes that are too large or not properly prepared for global shipping. We will make ensure all your merchandise is properly packaged for International shipping. Our repackaging service will save you money in shipping costs and also helps ensure your purchases are not damaged during transport.

What is consolidation, and how does it help me save?

Shipping multiple packages directly from online stores overseas can be expensive. With our parcel bundling (consolidation service), our skilled team combines all your purchases into a single package, helping you save up to 60-80% on standard international shipping costs. Unless you request otherwise, we will always aim to consolidate your items into one box for maximum savings.

Can I abandon my package?

Yes. In some cases, in case you have ordered some items which unfortunately cannot be exported out of India, and if for some reason you cannot/don’t wish to return it back to the seller, then you can choose to abandon your parcel for no additional cost. You can email us your instructions.

What is Assisted Purchase?

Many Indian sellers are equipped to serve international shoppers, but sometimes our members may face challenges such as:

  • Not being able to pay with an international credit card
  • Inability to pay via check or wire transfer
  • Registration issues due to the requirement of an active Indian mobile number for OTP verification

Thankfully, our Assisted Purchase service overcomes these barriers, giving you access to a wider range of products from India. Simply fill out the order form, and Shopshipparcel.com will place the order on your behalf, ensuring a smooth shopping experience.

What is Dimensional/Volumetric Weight?

All International carriers base their billable shipping rates on the greater of Actual Weight and Dimensional Weight Actual weight is the weight of the package when put on a scale. Dimensional weight is based on the size of the package. Large items that have a low Actual Weight relative to their size will result in a larger Dimensional Weight. Some people refer to this as “volumetric weight.”

The industry standard DIM Factor (for International Shipments) is 5000. So, the formula is: Dimensional Weight = Length x Width x Height (in cm) / 5000

The industry standard DIM Factor (for National Shipments) is 4000. So, the formula is: Dimensional Weight = Length x Width x Height (in cm) / 4000

All our courier partners consider the billable weight to be the greater of the two: Actual and Dimensional Weight; hence we also follow the same, which is why we take upto a few hours to pack and confirm the weight of your parcel, after you create a ‘send parcel’ request.